The long sequence at Casablanca covers the past 5.5 Ma. The oldest lithic a
ssemblages are found in Late Lower Pleistocene deposits, ca. 1 Ma, in unit
L of Thomas Quarry 1, and consist of Acheulean artefacts made from quartzit
e and flint. The first human remains discovered in this area were found in
younger Middle Pleistocene deposits and cover an important period of human
evolution between Homo erectus and modern Homo. They are associated with Ac
heulean artefacts and rich faunal assemblages in caves (Littorina Cave at S
idi Abderrahman, caves at Thomas Quarries I and 3). The variability of Ache
ulean assemblages is well documented following recent excavations in variou
s sites around the well-known locality of Sidi Abderrahman (Bears Cave, Cap
Chatelier, Unit L and Hominid Cave at Thomas Quarry 1, Rhino Cave at Oulad
Hamida Quarry 1, Sidi Abderrahman Extension and Sidi Al Khadir open-air si
tes). The Casablanca sequence offers useful data for comparison with those
from other African areas where hominids appeared and developed, and should
thus be considered in the debate on the earliest occupation of Europe. (C)
2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.